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Shipping and Export NewsCar Shipping and Export News and updates on global changes. These are the matters affecting the Car Shipping and Export industry in the UKCar scams on overseas buyers on the rise in the UK - shipping and exports scamsMon, 29 Oct 2018 21:15:24 GMThttps://www.carexporters.co.uk/news/car-scams-on-overseas-buyers-on-rise.html
CAR scams are reportedly on the rise in the UK. Here are some top tips to avoid falling victim to a vehicle theft in Britain.

Motorists (especially overseas buyers), are being warned to be aware of car scams circulating in the UK this summer.

There is reportedly an increase in the number of online vehicle scams circulating this summer.

My Car Check, which holds comprehensive data on every vehicle on UK roads, has warned buyers about a number of things they should be aware of before making an offer.

1. Is the vehicle being offered for substantially less than other similar models?

If the average value of a car you are interested in is £5,000 and you suddenly see one for around £2,000, then this could be a red flag that it is fraudulent.

Even if it is a legitimate vehicle you have to question why it is being offered for so low, as it could have a number of expensive faults that need fixing.

When buying a used car, being able to check it out before you buy is essential as you may be able to find issues with the car that were not stated in the advert.

This can also help outline the criminals as if they refuse to give you a visual on the car beaver the transaction takes place it could also be fraudulent.

2. Does the number ring out or go to voicemail, prompting you to ‘email the seller’?

A criminal is unlikely to answer your call as it could give out information about them to the buyer to be used later.

3. Are you then offered a vehicle that is abroad but can be ‘shipped to you’?

This should be an obvious warning to you as you cannot see the car before purchase and you are relying on the word of a stranger that it will be as advertised.

Offering to ship a car from abroad works in the favour of a crook as it puts a more fluid timeline on the delivery time of the vehicle.

Mark Bailey, Head of CDL Vehicle Information Systems, which owns mycarcheck.com, said: “The sheer volume of online scams is off the chart this summer, with seasonal favourites like convertibles, camper vans, and motorhomes being targeted.

“The staff at our Glasgow call centre speak to used car buyers every day, often when they’re about to transfer money, so we have our finger very much on the pulse when it comes to the latest scams.

“From early this year we saw a significant rise in fraudulent online adverts, but from May onwards it really ramped up, not only for the usual cars, vans, and bikes but for plant and agricultural vehicles, every sector you can think of.

“Sophisticated con artists, often operating in organised criminal gangs, can create scam adverts very quickly and on an industrial scale, even setting up whole fake dealer websites.

“At first glance, they look realistic; they cut and paste wording from genuine adverts and add features like make and model searches to appear more convincing.

“If you encounter any of the above, and certainly all three in order, it should serve as a red flag that you are being lined up. The best advice remains: If in doubt, walk away.”

In addition to motorists being targeted online by scammers, there has also been an increase in the amount of keyless entry theft taking place across the country.

The relay car hack sees crooks use a pair of radio transmitters to trick the vehicle into thinking the key is present, allowing the criminal to gain access to the vehicle and drive away.

Here are a number of security tips for drivers with keyless entry systems:

1. Contact your dealer and talk about the digital features in your car. Have there been any software updates you can take advantage of?

2. Check if your keyless entry fob can be turned off. If it can, and your dealer can also confirm this, then do so overnight.

3. Store your keys away from household entry points. Keeping your keyless entry fob out of sight is not enough – thieves only need to gain proximity to the key to amplify the signal.

4. As well as keeping the fobs out of sight and away from the front of the house, they should also be kept in some kind ofFaradaycage or pouch which will block the signal.

These are inexpensive and can be purchased easily online. Some reports suggest that wrapping the keys in tinfoil or storing the keys in the microwave could be temporary fixes, but it is advisable to just invest in theFaradaycase.

5. Be vigilant. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in yourneighbourhood– and report anything unusual to the Police.

6. Review your car security. Check for aftermarket security devices such as mechanical locks and trackers, which are proven to deter thieves.

]]>Car Exports to be affected by No-deal Brexit: UK-made cars will not be valid for sale in EUSat, 27 Oct 2018 21:13:55 GMThttps://www.carexporters.co.uk/news/uk-made-cars-will-not-be-valid-for-sale.html
Vehicles made and approved in the UK could no longer be sold in the EU if Britain crashes out without a deal, a shock government document admits.

EU “type-approval” would no longer be granted to prove the vehicles “comply with safety and environmental standards”, it warned.

It was issued just two days after the boss of Jaguar Land Rover attacked Theresa May’s Brexit strategy, warning that that tens of thousands of jobs were being put at risk.

Manufacturers would need to seek approval from an authority in an EU member state – if such an agreement could be struck.

The document says that, if there is a no-deal Brexit, the government would act unilaterally to ensure EU-made cars could still be bought in this country, by recognising approvals.

But it acknowledges that Brussels might no longer be willing to consider the UK’s Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) as an appropriate body for sales in the EU.

“In a no deal scenario, type-approvals issued in the UK would no longer be valid for sales or registrations on the EU market,” the document reads.

“This means that affected manufacturers would need to ensure that they have the correct type-approval for each market.”

And it adds: “VCA would continue to act as a technical service for the purpose of testing for UK type-approvals. However, it may no longer be recognised as a technical service by EU type-approval authorities.”

This week – at a conference attended by the prime minister – the chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover warned of the “horrifying” consequences of a hard Brexit, costing the company £1.2bn a year.

Ralf Speth said: “Brexit is due to happen on the 29 March, next year. Currently, I do not even know if any of our manufacturing facilities in the UK will be able to function on the 30,” he warned.

Gareth Thomas MP, a Labour MP and supporter of the anti-Brexit Best for Britain group, as “another unnecessary blow to the country’s car industry”.

“Crashing out with no-deal could mean the future of UK car exports to the EU could hang in the balance, damaging an industry filled with thousands of high skilled job,” he warned.

“This no deal scenario cannot be seriously considered as an option when we know how much is at stake.”

However, the department for transport said it was “incorrect” to say UK-made cars could not be sold in the EU after a no-deal Brexit, insisting manufacturers would be able to apply to an EU approval authority.

“The deciding factor is whether they obtained their EU type approval in the UK or an EU member state, not where they are manufactured,” a spokeswoman said.

The situation is another example of how the government’s “no deal” preparations would in fact involve trying to strike a series of separate micro-agreements with the EU, to head off huge damage.

Dominic Raab, the Brexit secretary has written to the EU to propose what he called “no deal deals”, if the need arises – but Brussels had previously rejected such an approach.

Becoming mandatory on 1 September, it forced certain carmakers across Europe to halt deliveries of some models that had yet to be re-certified under the new standards.

The SMMT said the sector was also still showing signs of concern regarding the industry's future following Britain's exit from the European Union.

Many manufacturers are already preparing potential backlogs caused by custom checks and new tariffs that could be imposed next year if London and Brussels fail to strike a Brexit deal, adding more costs and red tape for UK vehicle makers.

'It has been a turbulent year and the industry needs stability, something which appears elusive given the lack of resolution to Brexit negotiations,' said SMMT boss Mike Hawes.

'The UK government has recognised the importance of a deal that maintains free and frictionless trade with the EU, but it is up to all sides to deliver this to safeguard the hundreds of thousands of jobs depending on the sector.'

The sector has also suffered due to nosediving demand for diesel and was angered by a British government announcement ahead of next week's budget statement that subsidies offered to those buying plug-in hybrid vehicles will be cut.

Having planned for the Plug-in Car Grant rates to be slashed for electric cars and removed for hybrids on November 9, the government fast-tracked the reduced incentives to October 21 after seeing a spike in sales of low-emissions vehicles.

'Stability is also needed at home and a stronger UK new car market would go a long way to boosting manufacturing output,' Mr Hawes added.

'The Chancellor’s Budget next week is the perfect opportunity to stimulate the market, sending consumers and businesses the right signals to encourage the purchase of new cars, which would help bolster economic performance as well as delivering environmental goals.'

+3

The SMMT's figures showed the drastic slow down in UK car production over the last two years

Alex Buttle, director of car buying comparison website Motorway.co.uk, said the results showed how dependent UK manufacturing is on a strong export market, and the significant decline in overseas demand was alarming.

'It's doubtful the rest of year will see a reversal of fortunes,'' he said. 'If anything, the situation could get significantly worse.

'Perhaps the most worrying trend is the drop off in domestic sales and the reliance on the export market.

'This puts the industry on shaky ground as we're still completely in the dark as to how the trading landscape will evolve post Brexit.'

Justin Benson, head of Automotive at KPMG UK, said it would be a 'pleasant and very welcome surprise' for manufacturers if the chancellor announced an incentive for consumers to buy low emission vehicles in the Budget on Monday having found that many Britons are holding back on buying new cars.

'Brexit and continuing uncertainty is making consumers think twice about making major purchases and KPMG's recent survey of the public in the event of a ‘no deal’ scenario found that almost half of the public expect to delay such purchases,' he said.

'While this means great offers on cars will continue, levels of consumer confidence are directly aligned to vehicle purchases.

'If there is certainty then confidence should increase, which will hopefully see an improvement in car production and sales.'

Exports drive UK car production in first half as industry urges all Brexit negotiators to safeguard frictionless trade

Output for June declines -5.5% as perfect storm of events hits production for the UK, down -47.2%.

Exports rise 6.0% in the month, with 113,152 British-built cars destined for global markets – almost 4,000 every day.

SMMT calls for Brexit negotiators to back free and frictionless trade to safeguard one of EU’s most valuable assets.

UK car production fell by -5.5% in June, with 128,799 cars rolling off production lines, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). While exports grew 6.0% in the month, this couldn’t offset a -47.2% decline in production for the UK. Model cycles, operational changes and preparation for a new range of next generation vehicle technology ahead of new WLTP emissions standards, all played a part in the month’s anomaly.

Production for export has continued to drive volumes throughout 2018, with overseas orders broadly stable, down by a marginal -0.8% in the first six months. In the year to date, 675,187 cars have been built for global markets, helping to mitigate disappointing domestic demand, with overall output down by just -3.3% to 834,402 units.

In the six months to June, global demand for British-built cars grew in a number of key markets, notably the US – the UK’s second largest exports destination after the EU – where exports rose by 1.5% thanks to a raft of new, desirable models. Demand also grew substantially in Japan (+77.3%) and South Korea (+67.8%), while China maintained its position as the UK’s third biggest customer, taking 6.4% of exports.

However, despite a -3.6% decline in demand, the EU remained the UK’s biggest trading partner, accounting for 360,270 units – more than half of all cars produced for export (53.4%). Individually, EU countries also made up half of UK Automotive’s top 10 export destinations, with Germany, Italy and France the UK’s second, third and fourth biggest markets after the US and ahead of China.

Although UK Automotive now exports more than eight out of every 10 cars it builds to more than 160 countries worldwide, it is also a major importer. More than 87% of the cars registered by British buyers in the first six months of the year came from overseas plants, and more than two thirds (69.1%) from the EU, highlighting the importance of tariff- and barrier-free trade.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

June’s results demonstrate the risks of judging automotive performance one month in isolation, with numerous and varied factors creating a perfect storm for home market output. Looking at the longer-term picture, the sector is performing as expected in the context of market conditions at home and abroad.

First half figures are a reminder of the exports-led nature of UK Automotive, the integrated EU supply chain and our mutual dependency on free and frictionless trade. The UK government’s latest Brexit proposals are a step in the right direction to safeguard future growth, jobs and consumer choice – not just in Britain but right across Europe.

We now look to negotiators on both sides to recognise the needs of the whole European automotive industry which, combined, employs more than 12 million people. Any disruption risks undermining one of our most valuable shared economic assets.

In 2017, the EU exported EUR 132 billion worth of cars. Imports in that same year amounted to EUR 45 billion, giving the EU a trade surplus of EUR 87 billion (Figure 1). The value of extra-EU exports of cars increased by an average of 5.6 % per year between 2002 and 2017 while imports grew at an average of 5.4 % per year.

In 2002, the share of cars in total EU exports of goods was 6.5 % (Figure 2). This share dropped to 4.4 % in 2009 and peaked at 7.2 % in 2015 and 2016. It dropped slightly to 7.0 % in 2017. The share of cars in total EU imports of goods did not fluctuate as much. It was 2.2 % in 2002, peaked at 2.6 % in 2004, had a low of 1.4 % in 2012 and 2013 and reached 2.4 % in 2017.

Who are the EU's partners in trade of cars?

In 2017, the United States was the main export destination of EU's cars (29 % of the total), well ahead of China (17 %) (Figure 3). Japan (6 %), Switzerland (6 %), Turkey (5 %) and South Korea (5 %) completed the top 6. These six made up a little over two thirds of extra-EU exports of cars.

With 22 % Japan was the main origin of extra-EU imports, 3 percentage points ahead of Turkey (19 %) which had been the main import partner in 2016. They preceded South Korea (15 %), the United States (14 %), Mexico (10 %) and South Africa (7 %). Together the top six made up 87 % of all extra-EU imports of cars. It should be noted that exports and imports relate to production within the corresponding country, regardless of the nationality of the factory.

Between 2002 and 2008, exports of cars to the United States had already fallen from EUR 28 billion to EUR 21 billion (Figure 4) but in 2009 they declined to EUR 13 billion, losing EUR 8 billion in only one year. However there was a strong resurgence of exports, gaining EUR 15 billion between 2009 and 2013 and EUR 13 billion in the next two years, thus peaking at 40 billion in 2015. After this peak there was a decline to EUR 38 billion in 2016 and 2017.

Imports from the United States grew from EUR 4 billion in 2002 to EUR 6 billion in 2008 but then halved in 2009. In most of the following years (exceptions in 2011 and 2016) they grew, peaking at EUR 7 billion in 2016 and reaching EUR 6 billion in 2017. During the whole period the EU had a trade surplus for cars with the United States. It was lowest in 2009 (EUR 10 billion), peaking in 2015 (EUR 33 billion) and then falling to EUR 32 billion in 2017.

In 2002 exports of cars to Japan amounted to EUR 5 billion which after some fluctuations dropped to EUR 3 billion in 2009 (Figure 5). After that they grew in every year except 2014 and consequently reached a new high of EUR 8 billion in 2017. EU imports from Japan were EUR 10 billion in 2002 and hovered around EUR 11 to 12 billion until 2008. The next years they dropped until bottoming out at EUR 6 billion in 2013 after which they started growing again. In 2017 imports reached EUR 10 billion, which was still below its previous peak in 2004.

Between 2002 and 2011 the EU had a trade deficit for cars with Japan which peaked at EUR 8 billion in 2006 and 2007. In 2012 and 2013 the EU had a small trade surplus. From 2014 (EUR 1 billion) to 2017 (EUR 2 billion) there was again a trade deficits but much smaller than it had been earlier.

Japan (21 times ), Turkey (20 times ) and South Korea (17 times) appear most often as a top three partner for imports of cars by EU Member States, well ahead of the other countries which appear between 1 and 4 times (Figure 6). Only Germany and Lithuania have a top three without Japan, Turkey and Korea. In total there are 13 different countries as a top three partner for the Member States.

There is more variation in export destinations where a total of 33 countries appear as a top three partner for the EU Member States (Figure 7). However 29 of these partners appear three times or less. Only China (13 times), the United States (10 times), Switzerland (9 times) and Turkey (7 times) appear seven times or more. Proximity plays a role in exports, as can be seen in the top partners for Greece (Egypt), France (Switzerland), Lithuania (Belarus), Hungary (Serbia), Malta (Libya), Romania (Turkey) and Finland (Russia).

Germany is the EU's largest exporter of cars

Looking at the trade in cars by individual Member State, Germany alone was responsible for well over half (55 %) of the EU total exports in 2017 (Table 1). The United Kingdom, ranking second, registered a sixth (17 %) of the EU total exports. In relative terms, i.e. compared to their total extra-EU export, cars represented 13.6 % of Germany's total exports. This share was surpassed only by Slovakia (39.9 %). The Czech Republic (12.2 %) and the United Kingdom (10.8 %) were the only other Member States whose share of cars in total exports of goods was higher than 10 %.

With a trade value of EUR 13 billion in 2017, Germany’s share in total EU imports of cars was the most significant (29 % of the EU imports), followed by Belgium (20 %), Italy and the United Kingdom (both 10 %). For most member states imports of cars made up less than 3 % of their total imports of goods. Only four countries had higher shares: Spain (3.1 %), Germany (3.8 %), Belgium (7.1 %) and Slovenia (16.2 %). Thirteen Member States had trade deficits in 2017, Belgium (EUR 6.3 billion) and Slovenia (EUR 1.0 billion) were the only two to exceed one billion.

Cars dominate trade in motor vehicles and related products

The subcategory 'cars and other motor vehicles for transporting people', described above as cars, was the largest of the six subcategories that make up the category motor vehicles. Its exports were worth EUR 132 billion (64 % of motor vehicles) and its imports were EUR 45 billion (52 % motor vehicles) in 2017 (Figure 8). ‘Parts and accessories of motor vehicles’ followed with exports of EUR 47 billion (23 %) and imports of EUR 23 billion (26 %). Two other sectors are noteworthy: ‘Motor cycles and cycles’ are mainly imported (EUR 8 billion, 10 %) and ‘Motor vehicles for the transport of goods’ have exports of EUR 14 billion (7 %) and imports of EUR 7 billion (8 %). ‘Motor cycles and cycles’ is the only subcategory where the EU had a trade deficit which amounted to EUR 5.5 billion.

Source data for tables and graphs

Data source

COMEXT is the Eurostat reference database for international trade in goods. It provides access not only to both recent and historical data from the EU Member States but also to statistics of a significant number of non-EU countries. International trade aggregated and detailed statistics disseminated from Eurostat website are compiled from COMEXT data according to a monthly process. Because COMEXT is updated on a daily basis, data published on the website may differ from data stored in COMEXT in case of recent revisions.

European statistics on international trade in goods are compiled according to the EU concepts and definitions and may, therefore, differ from national data published by Member States.

Product classification Products of the road vehicles sector are defined according to the fourth revision of the Standard international trade classification. They include divisions for 781 cars and other motor vehicles for transporting people; 782 Motor vehicles for the transport of goods and special-purpose motor vehicles; 783 Road vehicles, not elsewhere specified (tractors, etc); 784 Parts and accessories of motor vehicles; 785 Motor cycles and cycles, motorized and non-motorized; invalid carriages; and 786 Trailers and semi-trailers.

Unit of measure Trade values are expressed in millions (106) of euros. They correspond to the statistical value, i.e. to the amount which would be invoiced in case of sale or purchase at the national border of the reporting country. It is called a FOB value (free on board) for exports and a CIF value (cost, insurance, freight) for imports.

Context

Trade is an important indicator of Europe’s prosperity and place in the world. The bloc is deeply integrated into global markets both for the products it sources and the exports it sells. The EU trade policy is an important element of the external dimension of the 'Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’ and is one of the main pillars of the EU’s relations with the rest of the world.

Because the 28 EU Member States share a single market and a single external border, they also have a single trade policy. EU Member States speak and negotiate collectively, both in the World Trade Organization, where the rules of international trade are agreed and enforced, and with individual trading partners. This common policy enables them to speak with one voice in trade negotiations, maximising their impact in such negotiations. This is even more important in a globalised world in which economies tend to cluster together in regional groups.

The openness of the EU’s trade regime has meant that the EU is the biggest player on the global trading scene and remains a good region to do business with. Thanks to the ease of modern transport and communications, it is now easier to produce, buy and sell goods around the world which gives European companies of every size the potential to trade outside Europe.

Source - https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=International_trade_in_cars#Car_exports_peak_in_2017]]> New and Used UK car exports soar to record high in 2016Tue, 12 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.carexporters.co.uk/news/car-exports-soar-to-record-high.html
Britain’s car industry reported record exports in the first 11 months of the year as a combination of the low pound and open access to Europe’s single market boosted sales.

UK car exports jumped to 1.25m, the highest ever, after factories put on more shifts and increased overtime to meet the demand for British-made vehicles.

The low pound has widely been cited by car makers as a reason for increased demand abroad while others have stressed the need for the UK to maintain zero tariffs and harmonised regulations to aid the steady flow of parts and finished vehicles across Europe.

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Last week Nissan UK, which employs 7,000 workers at its plant in Sunderland and exports more than 80% of its vehicles, warned that it would be forced to reconsider expanding production in the UK should it face higher shipment costs or restrictions on the supply of vital parts.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of UK car industry trade body SMMT, said the car industry’s success could be jeopardised without the current arrangements staying in place.

“Made in Britain is a badge coveted by car buyers worldwide, and these latest figures highlight not just that international appeal but the fact that the UK is a globally competitive place to make cars,” he said.

“These latest results are the product of significant investments made over the past few years, but which will continue only if we can maintain the competitive trading conditions that have enabled the UK to become an automotive success story.”

The UK car industry’s total production was also strong, reaching a level not seen since 1999 after it climbed 9.6% in the first 11 months to more than 1.6m units. In November the total reached 170,000 vehicles, also a 17-year high.

The SMMT said production for the home market was “particularly strong in November” after rising 14.0% to 33,745 units, a situation that is expected to continue as the cost of imported cars begins to rise in the new year, giving UK-built cars a price advantage.

The automotive industry is increasingly seen as a vital part of the UK economy that accounts for more than £71.6bn turnover.

“With some 169,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and 814,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 12.0% of total UK export of goods and invests £2.5bn each year in automotive R&D,” the organisation said.